A right-wing livestreamer known as "Manny" was arrested at President Donald Trump's Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., last Thursday, facing charges of "lewd, indecent, or obscene acts." The individual, identified as Gian Rachtelli, was allegedly seen by multiple witnesses masturbating while wearing an Uncle Sam costume and recording a circus performance.
Arrest documents detail three witness statements. One observer reported Rachtelli "stuck his right hand down his pants and moved back-and-forth approximately six times... in what appeared to be self pleasure or masturbation" after watching female circus performers. Another witness was reportedly alerted by a performer from the Cirque Mechanics troupe who pointed out an "older white male" making "lewd gestures in his pants" during their act. A third witness stated they saw Rachtelli "with his hand in his pants likely doing what we all thought he was doing."
Rachtelli's final livestream on YouTube, which occurred during the fair on the day of his arrest, abruptly ended when a police officer approached him and escorted him away. He later addressed the incident indirectly through social media reposts, including one that defended him by stating, "Manny’s only crime is being a huge Patriot" and asserting his innocence until proven guilty.
The incident adds to a series of issues surrounding the Great American State Fair, organized to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. Trump, in a social media post, defended the fair, questioning whether former Presidents Obama or Biden could have organized a similar event, stating, "Do you think people appreciate what a fantastic job we did in building and operating the Great American State Fair at the National Mall, packed with happy people, and everybody loving it?"
![Visitors walk near the 110-foot "Freedom 250" ferris wheel on Saturday at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Last Thursday, a MAGA internet personality was charged with “lewd, indecent, or obscene acts” after witnesses allege they saw him masturbating to an acrobatics performance.]( "Visitors walk near the 110-foot "Freedom 250" ferris wheel on Saturday at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Last Thursday, a MAGA internet personality was charged with “lewd, indecent, or obscene acts” after witnesses allege they saw him masturbating to an acrobatics performance.")